06-23-2014, 07:45 PM
Quote:On the file leader issue. I know there is no definite proof of it in battle but I do remember hearing of items of equipment being found that had 'Contubernium of X' marked on them. Which would indicate that a level of command below the century may have existed.
Having the contubernium marked on equipment certainly doesn't mean that the contubernia were part of the tactical organisation, but simply that men in that mess party shared their kit and cooking/camping responsibilities.
Didn't Caesar loose a frightening number of his centurions in the Battle of Pharsalus; with 200 legionaries killed as well as 30 centurions! Proof if any was needed that his centurions led from the front.
Paul Elliott
Legions in Crisis
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/17815...d_i=468294
Charting the Third Century military crisis - with a focus on the change in weapons and tactics.
Legions in Crisis
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/17815...d_i=468294
Charting the Third Century military crisis - with a focus on the change in weapons and tactics.
